01-08-2025
Section of Dublin's Grand Canal reopens after major works
A stretch of the Grand Canal in Dublin has been reopened following a public-private partnership that has seen major upgrades to the area.
Waterways Ireland, which manages and maintains 1,100km of land and property on Ireland's internal waterways, began the enhancement works last January. The plans had been in preparation since 2021.
The all-island body said the investment has enhanced the public amenity with greater accessibility as well as protecting the biodiversity between Leeson and Baggot Street bridges.
The project, co-funded by Waterways Ireland and IPUT Real Estate Dublin, "celebrates the canal, its rich cultural heritage and biodiversity".
Prior to the upgrade, male asylum seekers pitched tents along the stretch of the canal because the State was unable to house them.
The tents were erected close to the international Protection Office on Mount Street, where their applications were being processed.
Waterways Ireland later erected tall metal fences in a bid to discourage the asylum seekers from camping along the banks.
Visitors to the Grand Canal now access a wider pathway replacing two narrower paths.
Public seating has also been increased and reorientated to maximise views of the water, with newly-commissioned contemporary seating installed alongside nine recently restored, original cast-iron benches.
Waterways Ireland said the landscaping works prioritise the unique biodiversity of the area with a primarily native tree planting scheme forming a key part of the project.
Additional measures were incorporated to protect and enhance habitats for urban wildlife such as otters and bats.
"This enhances a much-loved part of the Grand Canal, balancing improved accessibility and amenity with the protection of biodiversity and heritage," Waterways Ireland Chief Executive John McDonagh said.
"Stakeholder feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we trust the works will be enjoyed by Dubliners and visitors alike for many years to come," he added.
The waterway has one of the widest urban canal towpaths and a number of Dublin city's finest tree specimens.
According to Waterways Ireland, pedestrian counters record some of the highest footfall in the city on this section of the canal.
This is set to increase further when nearby office developments open, with up to 5,000 new workers in the area.
Visitors, nature lovers, pedestrians, runners and cyclists can expect some surprises along the much-loved route.
The iconic Patrick Kavanagh statue by John Coll was conserved throughout the works and now sits on a new granite base.
A new sculpture, Man on Trestle, by renowned Armagh-born artist Carolyn Mulholland, welcomes visitors at the Leeson Street Bridge end of the bank.
"We were delighted to partner with Waterways Ireland on this important initiative to deliver these upgrades to the canal in the heart of Georgian Dublin," Chief Executive of IPUT Real Estate Dublin Niall Gaffney said.
"Together, we have contributed to the preservation of the area's historical links, while developing it as a welcome urban green space for the communities who walk the towpath today.
"We are proud of our work in restoring Wilton Park and the naming of Mary Lavin Place, overlooking the magnificent Grand Canal which is deeply embedded in Dublin's cultural and literary history," Mr Gaffney added.
Recent research showed that 26% of people across Ireland visited the Grand Canal or Grand Canal Dock in the past year.
Visitors cited walking (50%), tourism (21%), and mental wellbeing (16%) among their main reasons.
81% of them agreed that spending time at a waterway significantly contributed to their overall wellbeing and mental health.
